An overview of arm injuries
Non-serious arm injuries are fairly common with the forearms, wrists, hands and fingers being the most affected areas. They may be caused by an accident at work, playing a sport or instrument, or simply carrying out tasks around the home. Read an overview of personal injury.
Adults are at more risk than children of sustaining arm injuries that involve fractures. The main reason for this is that we lose muscle mass and bone strength as we age. Another explanation is that adults tend to have more problems with their vision and balance, increasing their risk of accidental injury. Read more about causes of personal injury.
Types of arm injury
There are two main types of arm injury: acute traumatic injuries and overuse injuries.
Traumatic arm injury
These types of arm injury may be caused by any number of incidents including a direct blow, bending the limb abnormally or a slip and trip accident. Acute injuries may include:
- Contusions - these are also known as bruises and occur when small blood vessels rupture under the skin
- Sprains - injuries to the ligaments, the fibres which connect bones.
- Strains - injuries to the tendons, fibres which connect muscles.
- Muscle ruptures - such as the biceps or triceps.
- Fractures - a bone which has had its tissue broken. Hairline fractures are less serious and only affect the outer layer of the bone.
- Dislocations - pulling or pushing bones out of their normal position.
Overuse injuries
These injuries are a direct result of stress being placed on a joint or other tissue. Overuse injuries to the arms may be caused by repeating the same activity or motion on a regular basis and include:
- Bursitis - inflammation of the sac of fluid that cushions and lubricates the joint area.
- Tendonitis - inflammation of the tendons in the wrist, forearms, elbow or shoulder.
- Stress fractures - hairline cracks in the bone.
- Carpel tunnel syndrome - pressure on the nerves; often associated with repetitive strain injury.
- Tenosynovitis - swelling of the tendon sheath in the finger or thumb, causing pain and audible creaking, also know as Trigger Finger.
- Epicondylitis - caused by inflammation of the tendons and often the result of tiny ruptures to the muscle around the funny bone.
Arm injury treatment and advice
You should seek advice from a medical professional immediately after sustaining an arm injury, especially if you suspect it is serious.
Most minor arm injuries will repair naturally and treatment such as pain killers or a hot or cold compress may be recommended to relive pain and swelling. More serious injuries may require physical therapy or the use of a splint or cast to promote healing.
The precise method of treatment depends upon the following factors:
- The type and severity of the injury
- When the injury occurred
- Your age and general health condition
Arm injury prevention
Prevention is far better than cure. You may be able to prevent acute arm injury in the following ways:
- Warm up before exercise or taking part in strenuous activities.
- Wear protective clothing if taking part in potentially dangerous activities such as motorcycling or skateboarding.
- Look out for potential accident scenes such as wet patches on the floor where you could slip up.
- Take extra care as you grow older as adults are more susceptible to osteoporosis and more at risk of accidental injury.
- You may be able to prevent overuse injuries in the following ways:
- Wear a support bandage while doing repetitive activities such as typing.
- Take several short breaks from repetitive activities throughout the day.
- Partake in gentle exercise such as swimming to strengthen the areas prone to injury.
- Massage the arms after excessive use in order to relax and stretch the muscles.
Compensation amounts for arm injuries
Below, estimations of compensation amounts for arm amputations, other arm injuries and injuries to the elbow are outlined.
Amputation of arms
Loss of one arm
Below-elbow amputation - £52,500 to £60,000
Amputation through the forearm that causes serious organic and phantom pains or amputation of the dominant arm would justify a higher award.
Above-elbow amputation - £60,000 to £71,500
A shorter stump may cause difficulties if the use of a prosthesis is required and will therefore qualify for higher compensation. Amputation through the elbow will usually qualify for an award at the lower end.
Arm amputated at the shoulder - not less than £75,000
Loss of both arms - £132,500 to £165,000
With no recent case to use as guidance it is difficult to estimate a compensation amount.
Other arm injuries
Simple fractures of the forearm - £3,650 to £10,500
Uncomplicated fractures of the radius and/or ulna with complete recovery within a short time may receive £3,650. However, those resulting in modest residual disability or deformity would meet the criteria for a higher amount.
Less severe injury - £10,500 to £21,500
A substantial degree of recovery has taken place or is expected to take place even though significant disabilities are still experienced.
Injuries resulting in permanent and substantial disablement - £21,500 to £33,000
Severe fractures to one or both forearms resulting in considerable permanent disability, whether functional or cosmetic.
Severe injuries - £52,500 to £71,500
Serious injuries that do not require amputation but leave the injured party in a fairly helpless state.
Injuries to the elbow
Moderate or minor injury - up to £7,000
Injuries that cause no permanent damage and do not cause permanent impairment of function such as simple fractures, tennis elbow and lacerations.
Less severe injuries - £8,750 to £17,500
Injuries that cause impairment of function but do not result in the need for major surgery or substantial disability.
Severely disabling injury - £21,500 to £30,000
Making a compensation claim for an arm injury today
If you have received a personal injury through no fault of your own then you could be entitled to make a compensation claim for pain, suffering and financial loss. Read more about what you can claim for.
Our personal injury solicitors have a 95% success rate and will talk you through each stage of the claim process, offering free legal advice and guidance.
We have a no win no fee policy and will protect you from all costs, both yours and the other party's, whether you win or lose your case. We even guarantee that you will receive 100% of any compensation awarded to you. Read more about no win no fee personal injury claims.
If you would like to make a compensation claim following an arm injury today simply fill out one of our online assessment forms or call our claim team on 0800 197 32 32.
